WordPress Multisite transforms a single WordPress installation into a network of interconnected sites, all managed from one dashboard. It is a powerful feature built into WordPress core, but it is not the right solution for every scenario. This guide explains what Multisite is, when it makes sense, how to set it up, and what to watch out for when managing a network of sites.
What Is WordPress Multisite?
WordPress Multisite is a built-in feature that allows you to run multiple WordPress sites from a single installation. All sites in the network share the same WordPress core files, plugins, and themes, but each site has its own content, users, and settings. A "Super Admin" manages the network-level settings, while individual site admins manage their own site's content.
How Multisite Works Under the Hood
When you activate Multisite, WordPress creates additional database tables for each site in the network. The main tables (wp_options, wp_posts, wp_users) remain for the primary site, while new sites get their own prefixed tables (wp_2_options, wp_2_posts, etc.). The wp_users and wp_usermeta tables are shared across all sites, allowing users to have accounts on multiple sites within the network.
When to Use Multisite (and When Not To)
Multisite is well-suited for specific organizational structures. Understanding when it fits and when it doesn't saves you from migration headaches later.
| Use Multisite When | Avoid Multisite When |
|---|---|
| University departments need separate sites | Sites need different hosting environments |
| Franchise locations share branding | Each site needs different plugins |
| One organization manages multiple blogs | Sites have vastly different traffic levels |
| Multilingual sites with separate content | Client sites that need independent management |
| Development/staging environments | Sites that may need to be moved independently |
| Consistent branding across properties | E-commerce stores with different payment setups |
Subdomain vs. Subdirectory
WordPress Multisite offers two URL structures for network sites:
Subdirectory (Path-Based)
example.com/site1/, example.com/site2/
- Simpler setup, no DNS configuration needed
- All sites share the main domain's authority
- Not available if WordPress is installed in a subdirectory
- Requires the main site to be set up at the domain root
Subdomain
site1.example.com, site2.example.com
- Each site feels more independent
- Requires wildcard DNS configuration
- Can use domain mapping for completely custom domains
- Slightly more complex to set up with SSL certificates
For SEO purposes, subdirectories consolidate domain authority more effectively. For organizational independence, subdomains or mapped domains provide a cleaner separation.
Setting Up WordPress Multisite: Step by Step
Prerequisites
- A fresh or existing WordPress installation (version 6.0 or higher recommended)
- FTP or file manager access to edit wp-config.php and .htaccess
- Deactivate all plugins before enabling Multisite
- Backup your database and files completely
Step 1: Enable Multisite in wp-config.php
Add this line to your wp-config.php file, above the line that says "That's all, stop editing!":
define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true );Step 2: Install the Network
After adding the constant and refreshing your dashboard, go to Tools > Network Setup. Choose between subdomains or subdirectories, enter your network title and admin email, then click Install.
Step 3: Update Configuration Files
WordPress will display code snippets to add to your wp-config.php and .htaccess files. Copy these exactly as shown. The wp-config.php additions define your network configuration, while the .htaccess rules handle URL routing for network sites.
Step 4: Log In Again
After updating the configuration files, log out and log back in. You will now see a My Sites menu in the admin bar and access to the Network Admin dashboard.
Managing Your Multisite Network
Network Admin Dashboard
The Network Admin dashboard is separate from individual site dashboards. From here you can:
- Sites: Create, edit, deactivate, or delete sites in the network
- Users: Manage users across all sites and assign network-level roles
- Themes: Install themes and control which ones are available to network sites
- Plugins: Install plugins network-wide or allow per-site activation
- Settings: Configure registration options, file upload limits, and default settings
User Roles in Multisite
Multisite adds a "Super Admin" role above the standard WordPress roles. Here is how roles differ:
| Role | Scope | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Super Admin | Entire network | Install plugins/themes, manage all sites |
| Administrator | Single site | Manage content, users, and settings (cannot install plugins) |
| Editor | Single site | Manage and publish all posts |
| Author/Contributor | Single site | Create and manage own content |
Plugin and Theme Management
In Multisite, only Super Admins can install plugins and themes. Site Admins can only activate plugins and themes that the Super Admin has made available. You can also "Network Activate" a plugin to force it active on all sites, which is useful for security, caching, and SEO plugins that should run everywhere.
Performance Considerations
A Multisite network shares server resources across all sites. As your network grows, performance can degrade without proper planning:
- Database growth: Each site adds approximately 10-12 tables. A 50-site network means 500+ additional tables in the same database.
- Shared hosting limitations: Multisite performs poorly on shared hosting. Use a VPS or dedicated server with adequate RAM and CPU.
- Object caching: Implement Redis or Memcached to reduce database queries across network sites.
- CDN usage: Serve static assets through a CDN to reduce server load.
- Individual site traffic: If one site in the network gets a traffic spike, it can affect all other sites since they share the same server resources.
For hosting recommendations that can handle Multisite workloads, read our WordPress hosting guide.
Security Implications
Security in a Multisite network requires extra attention because a vulnerability in one site can potentially affect the entire network:
- Plugin vulnerabilities: Since plugins are shared, a vulnerable plugin exposes every site in the network.
- User access control: Carefully manage who gets Administrator and Super Admin roles. Limit Super Admin accounts to trusted personnel only.
- File upload restrictions: Configure allowed file types in Network Settings to prevent malicious uploads.
- Regular updates: Core, plugin, and theme updates must be applied promptly since they affect all sites simultaneously.
For comprehensive security practices, see our WordPress security guide for 2026.
Alternatives to WordPress Multisite
Multisite is not always the right answer. Consider these alternatives:
- Separate WordPress installations: If sites need different plugins, themes, or hosting environments, individual installations with a management tool like MainWP or ManageWP provide centralized control without Multisite's constraints.
- Multilingual plugins: For multilingual sites, plugins like WPML or TranslatePress may be simpler than running separate network sites per language.
- Headless WordPress: If you need multiple frontends pulling from one content source, a headless setup with a shared API may be more flexible than Multisite.
For ongoing site management regardless of whether you use Multisite, review our WordPress maintenance guide.
For more details, refer to the official documentation: WordPress Multisite Documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert an existing WordPress site to Multisite?
Yes, you can enable Multisite on an existing WordPress installation. Your current site becomes the main site of the network. However, always create a full backup before making this change, as the process modifies your database structure and configuration files.
Can each site in the network use a different domain?
Yes, through domain mapping. WordPress core supports domain mapping natively since version 4.5. Each site in your network can have its own custom domain (e.g., sitea.com, siteb.com) instead of using subdomains or subdirectories.
What happens if I deactivate Multisite later?
Reverting from Multisite to a single site is complex and not officially supported as a one-click operation. You would need to export content from each site individually and import it into separate WordPress installations. Plan your architecture carefully before committing to Multisite.
Are all plugins compatible with WordPress Multisite?
Most plugins work with Multisite, but not all. Some plugins may not handle network activation correctly or may store data in ways that conflict with Multisite's shared database structure. Always test plugins on a staging network before deploying to production.
How does SEO work across Multisite network sites?
Each site in the network is treated as a separate website by search engines. If using subdirectories, sites share the main domain's authority. If using subdomains or mapped domains, each site builds its own domain authority independently. Install an SEO plugin network-wide and configure it individually for each site.
Can I share content between sites in the network?
WordPress does not natively share content between network sites. You can use plugins like Network Media Library to share the media library or build custom solutions using the WordPress REST API to pull content from one site to another.
Is WordPress Multisite suitable for a web hosting business?
While technically possible, Multisite is not recommended for hosting client sites because it creates dependency and security risks. If one client's site is compromised, it could affect others. Dedicated installations with a management dashboard provide better isolation for hosting scenarios.
Need Reliable Hosting for Your Multisite Network?
Multisite networks need hosting with adequate resources. Explore our hosting comparison to find the right fit.
Read the Hosting Guide →
